The Ultimate Cola-Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Slow-cooking short ribs in cola creates a mouthwatering symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Cola might sound like an unexpected ingredient, but it works magic on tough meat.

Rich, tender meat falls apart with each gentle touch of your fork.

Caramelized edges hint at the complexity brewing beneath the surface.

Creamy parmesan risotto provides the perfect canvas for these incredible ribs, adding a luxurious complement to the dish.

Deep, robust flavors merge in a culinary experience that surprises and delights.

Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked in Cola with Parmesan Risotto

• Savor Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: The slow-cooking method transforms tough short ribs into incredibly tender meat that falls apart with the gentlest touch.
• Master Gourmet Cooking at Home: This recipe brings restaurant-quality cuisine to your kitchen, letting you impress family and friends with a sophisticated, complex-tasting dish.
• Unleash Unique Flavor Combination: The unexpected use of cola creates a rich, slightly sweet braising liquid that caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Celebrate One-Pot Convenience: By using an oven-safe pot and minimizing dishes, this recipe offers a streamlined cooking experience that saves time and reduces cleanup hassle.

Ingredients for Short Ribs and Parmesan Risotto

• Short Ribs: A flavorful, tender cut of beef that becomes incredibly soft when slow-cooked.

• Cola: Adds a sweet and caramelized depth of flavor to the braising liquid.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory undertones and helps tenderize the meat.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a fragrant base that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Arborio Rice: A creamy, starchy rice perfect for creating a luxurious risotto texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the rice.
• Chicken Broth: Slowly incorporated to create a creamy, smooth risotto.

• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy rice.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the dish's flavors.

How to Cook Short Ribs with Risotto

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325F. This gentle heat will transform your tough short ribs into melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Step 2: Sizzle And Brown The Ribs

In a hefty oven-safe pot, create a gorgeous brown crust on your short ribs. Sear each side until they develop a deep, rich color that promises incredible flavor.

Once beautifully browned, set them aside.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same pot, dance some chopped onions and minced garlic around until they turn soft and translucent.

Their fragrance will fill your kitchen with anticipation.

Step 4: Reunite The Ribs

Bring those seared ribs back to the party.

• Cola
• Beef broth

Let everything come to a gentle simmer, creating a luxurious braising liquid.

Step 5: Slow Magic In The Oven

Cover the pot and slide it into the oven.

Let the ribs bathe and tenderize for about 3 hours. The meat will become so tender it practically falls apart.

Step 6: Risotto Foundation

In a separate pan, melt butter and add arborio rice. Toast the rice for a couple minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 7: Create Creamy Risotto

Gradually introduce chicken broth, stirring constantly. This slow process will create a dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Fold in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 9: Plate And Serve

Nestle those succulent braised short ribs right on top of the creamy risotto. Prepare for a flavor explosion.

Tips for Tender Short Ribs and Risotto

• Choose well-marbled, thick-cut short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor development during slow cooking.
• The soda's sugars and acids help tenderize meat while adding a subtle caramel-like sweetness that deepens the braising liquid's complexity.
• Maintain a consistent low oven temperature to break down tough connective tissues, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth short ribs without drying out the meat.
• Continuously stir risotto to release rice starches, creating that signature creamy texture without turning it gluey or sticky.
• Braise short ribs a day ahead, letting flavors intensify overnight and making day-of meal preparation quick and stress-free.

Variations on Short Ribs and Risotto

• Mexican-Style Short Ribs: Replace cola with dark Mexican beer and add chipotle peppers for a spicy southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Braised Ribs: Swap cola for soy sauce, rice wine, and add ginger and star anise for an umami-rich flavor profile.
• Red Wine Braised Ribs: Substitute cola with robust red wine like cabernet sauvignon and include fresh rosemary and thyme for an elegant French-inspired dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion Ribs: Use white wine, add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style variation.

Pairings to Serve with Short Ribs Dinner

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, tender short ribs and cut through their intense flavor profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a dark, malty beer such as a Belgian Quadrupel or Imperial Stout that echoes the deep caramelized notes from the cola braising liquid and matches the dish's robust meat character.
• Surprising Cocktail Match: Mix a Manhattan with rye whiskey to enhance the savory elements of the short ribs, with the cocktail's slight sweetness mirroring the cola's underlying flavor in the braising sauce.
• Refreshing Side Beverage: Prepare a crisp, herbaceous green apple spritzer that provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, rich short ribs and creamy Parmesan risotto.

Storage Advice for Short Ribs and Risotto

• Store leftover short ribs and risotto in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat and rice sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap short ribs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze risotto in shallow containers. Both can be frozen for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 325F, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165F, about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of cola works best for braising short ribs?

Any standard cola like Coca-Cola or Pepsi works great. The sugar and carbonation help tenderize the meat and create a rich, caramelized flavor.

• Can I use a different cut of meat if short ribs are unavailable?

Chuck roast or beef brisket are excellent alternatives. They have similar fat content and will become tender with slow braising.

• Is arborio rice essential for the risotto?

Yes, arborio rice is crucial because it releases more starch during cooking, creating the signature creamy texture. Other short-grain rice won’t produce the same result.

• How do I know when the short ribs are perfectly cooked?

The meat should be extremely tender and easily pull apart with a fork. When you can gently separate the meat with minimal resistance, it’s ready.

Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked In Cola With Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cola-braised short ribs melt into rich, tender perfection alongside creamy parmesan risotto, creating a luxurious comfort meal. Hearty flavors dance between sweet soda-infused meat and silky rice, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) short ribs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) arborio rice
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cans (680 milliliters) cola
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 325F (163C), preparing for a slow-cooking method that will transform tough meat into a meltingly tender dish.
2. Create a rich flavor base by searing short ribs in a large oven-safe pot until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all surfaces, then temporarily remove from the pot.
3. In the same pot with residual meat drippings, caramelize onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
4. Reunite the seared short ribs with the softened aromatics, then introduce cola and beef broth, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid and slide into the preheated oven, braising for approximately 3 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and nearly falling apart.
6. Meanwhile, initiate the risotto preparation by melting butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden base.
7. Toast arborio rice in the melted butter for 2 minutes, developing a nutty undertone and preparing the grains to absorb liquid gradually.
8. Incrementally add chicken broth, stirring constantly to coax out the rice’s creamy texture and ensure even cooking until the risotto reaches a luxurious, al dente consistency.
9. Finish the risotto by folding in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
10. Plate the succulent braised short ribs atop the creamy Parmesan risotto, allowing the rich meat juices to mingle with the decadent rice.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by searing at high heat to lock in deep, rich flavors and create a beautiful caramelized crust that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Use classic cola for unexpected sweetness and acidity that breaks down tough meat fibers, creating incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth short ribs.
• Select high-quality arborio rice and stir continuously during risotto preparation to release natural starches, ensuring creamy, luxurious texture without becoming gluey.
• Consider gluten-free adaptation by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and confirming broth ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 810 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg